Serendipity Art UnitFinding inspiration with an open mind

What is serendipity?

“Happy accident" or “Pleasant surprise”

Finding something good while not specifically looking.

http://youtu.be/_Tq5vXk0wTk

Part 1: Trash to TreasureOur first try for serendipity… loosely themed Nature vs. Culture

Idea adapted from The Blooming Palette/Davis School Art magazine, Feb 2010http://thebloomingpalette.blogspot.com/2010/01/recylced-grounds-high-school-art-mini.html

Procedure – Day 1 - Trash

Nature walks and/or dumpster dives in class

Find some small, interesting objects both natural and man-made.

Put them in your Zip Loc Bag

Not too dirty or dangerous please!

Day 1- Sketch and Homework

Sketch your objects using weighted line. Zoom in, crop, try different angles.

Optional: “treasure hunt” at home for more things – sketch them and /or bring next class

Try sharpies to simplify Sample sketches

Homework in Sketchbook

Research “nature vs. culture” theme in art

Print/sketch an example you like; journal about artist

Links online to help Optional-more

items

Angkor Vat, 9th Century temple from Khmer Empire, (Cambodia)

Day 2- Thumbnails/Begin Work

Combine & draw your objects in a still life (do several thumbnails)

OR combine your sketches in visually interesting ways (thumbnails)

Feel free to repeat, edit, or abstract shapes & forms

Day 2-3 Final Composition

Tape edges of your paper

Complete final sketch

LIMITED color palette – triadic or analogous work well

Watercolors and sharpies (happy accidents)

Class demo on watercolor

Add accent lines at end if needed

Sample Pieces – but YOURS can be better and more original!

Example from Issmay Uentesfay

Example from The Blooming Palette, student artist Grace G.

Critique – Part 1

Were you successful? Did you use the Rule of Thirds? Does your piece use rhythm or contrast?

HOMEWORK: bring oil pastels or crayons if you can for Magical Mystery project

Bring any liquid drink (juice box, soda can, coffee, tea) (extra credit) …. Or piece of fruit real or fake….

2. Magical Mystery PromptsNo further information available (or it wouldn’t be a mystery)

2. Magical Mystery PromptsSPILL your liquid on the canvas or watercolor paper. Put in drying rack.

Student Example

• Notice how she uses organic shape combined with the spillage

• India ink & brush

• Details added with oil pastel

• Credit: The Blooming Palette (via Pinterest)

MAGICAL MYSTERY DIRECTIONS, PART 2

Take spilled paper/canvas

Find an organic object from the still life objects.

Sketch it with diluted india ink on your spillage.

Select 3 oil pastels to further develop your composition

Follow teacher instructions….SURPRISE!!!

(another example from The Blooming Palette)

Critique – Part 2

Were you successful? Why or why not?

Did you use the Rule of Thirds? Does your piece use rhythm or

contrast? What did you learn?

Serendipity Part 3

Figure drawing… we will be abstracting figure sketches that you do in class.

Need volunteers to sit on the tables as models (clothed)

MORE INFORMATION TO FOLLOW… STAY TUNED…